President’s Letter By: Tracey Erway
Dear members,
And so I wrap up my two years as President and President-Elect. We had one jam-packed board meeting this month taking care of business, which you can all read about below. I will admit that it is difficult to leave a position when you’ve poured your heart and soul into improving anything involving a complaint or difficulty. It will be difficult for me to stop thinking about and devising opportunities that can help USAWE develop. I take notes when I speak with members – because as members we deserve to be listened to, we deserve to be heard. It is the members that make USAWE worthwhile as a sport, and as a place where friendships are built. There are some wonderful board members who are eager to grow and improve this organization, but they can’t do it unless they hear from you. Speak up when you see your regional director, or contact them in email – share your good news and your questions, contact your President and your Vice President.
While I’m exiting from the President’s obligations, I’ll be keeping the website updated, I’ll still be part of the strategic planning committee, I’m still willing to field questions and issues and route them to the right owners, and I’ll still be a judge and TD. I plan on working with Sara Barnwell in building out a clear dashboard of data and information; an “at a glance” overview of the status of the organization that we can update regularly and report on. It is time this organization turns the page to becoming one that clearly tracks data and connects funding to growth – whether that growth is in the number of members, AO’s, LOs, or services.
I’m hoping that next year the International Team and competition in Spain can catapult us into major visibility in the US and in the world, and that with a succinct marketing plan we can grow the vision of USAWE into new areas in this country. Bring your friends, create your own Affiliate Organizations or join one, be involved in your local shows, and spread the word. I’m hoping that the training programs we’re kicking off will provide more knowledge and skills to all of our members. I’m hoping that with our strong organizational foundation, 2026 will be the year we can proudly say “We are Working Equitation” and the world, literally, hears us.
Remember that the new website has a huge contact list in the very top blue navigation bar – you can reach any committee chair or service chair. And remember too that we always need additional volunteers, even if just for a short stint or single project. It would be incredible if every member volunteered in some way, locally or nationally.
With my spiffy ankle replacement, I’m also hoping after 5 years to get back on my horses and feel that joy of partnership again. The partnership that for all of us who ride, is the basis of Working Equitation.
I hope you’ve had a great 2025 and are looking forward to 2026, my friends. After November 30th you can reach me at tmeworkingeq@gmail.com, or websitecommitteechair@usawe.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you and USAWE as President.
– Tracey M. Erway
President, USA Working Equitation (USAWE)